Philippines, Indonesia to sign agreements on farm cooperation, sea connectivity

April 28, 2017

The Philippines and Indonesia are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding that will focus on agricultural cooperation and a joint declaration on sea connectivity between provinces in Mindanao and Bitung in Indonesia. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said matters that will be tackled during the 30th ASEAN Summit will also be discussed in the bilateral meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. During Duterte's state visit to Indonesia last September, where the two leaders discussed  issues, including security in the Sulu-Sulawesi seas, war on illegal drugs, maritime cooperation, enhancing economic ties, and intensifying people-to-people exchanges. "They are expected to continue discussions on these topics and exchange views on new areas of cooperation," Abella said. Duterte will host a state banquet in Malacañang. Duterte and Widodo will attend the formal launch of the Davao-General Santos-Bitung roll-on/roll-off sea linkage route in Davao on April 30. DMS